Sunday, June 28, 2009

Hey! Sorry about not posting my IMM post last Sunday, so I am just including it in with this one!IMM was started by The Story Siren!

The Received (for Review):

Praying For Snow by Jennifer Reynolds

Three Roses For Pearl by Julia Johnson

The Texicans by Nina Vida

The Borrowed:

Madapple by Christina Meldrum

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten

Peace, Love, And Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

The Bought:

Haters by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

Swoon by Nina Malkin

The Devouring by Simon Holt

Walk of the Spirits by Richie Tankersley Cusik

I had also received 2 awesome promo items in the mail. A GhostGirl devotional candle(saweet!), which looks awesome!! And I had also received a 10Th anniversary, Harry Potter and the Sorceress Stone, golden pin! I absolutely adore it, and there will be an upcoming contest, where 5 winners could get one!!!! (so stay tuned!)

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Has any book blogger out there read How To Buy A Love Of Reading? I am reading it, and well....I don't really know what to think of it. I find the writing style very complex, and all of your attention has to be focused on the book while reading. I just don't know about it. I think the whole story line so far is very unique and good, it's just, been kind of hard to get through. What do you think?

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Thanks so much for being patient about posting the winner for How To Buy A Love Of Reading! I was really busy this afternoon, so I couldn't get to it. Also, expect IMM to be posted up tomorrow as well.

So, I'm sure you are pretty anxious to see who the winner is for How To Buy A Love Of Reading, so here is the winner!!

And as for the award, thank you so much Cassandra, for giving me this award!

Ok, so I wasn't sure what to post about this, so I just copied the paragraph from Cassandra.

"This blog invests and believes in the Proximity - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

And...What would you do if you received audio tapes that tell the story of Hannah, and the 13 reasons why she committed suicide?

The package arrived at Clays house after school. But when he opened it, surprised to see tapes, labeled with numbers, and rules on what to do during each tape, each one containing a sad story, Clay begins to hear Hannah's story, before she ever popped a bottle of pills.

And sadly? He is one of the 13 exclusive people that will have their lives changed forever, in only one night.

Come along on Clays journey around town, as he visually watches the snowball effect that ruined Hannah's life, how it all started, and how it all desperately ended. Though, the signs were vague in the moment, before Hannah ever made the fatal choice, they now become clearer as he looks back when the signs were blasting in front of his, and his classmates, eyes. The way she cut off most of her long hair, and gave away her things, both being signs of future suicide, he should have known. But she wouldn't let anyone connect with her, because she lost her trust to anyone that tried to help. How? Her first kiss....Ruined and changed her reputation. The way people viewed her physically? Now they just want a piece of her for themselves. Her home? No longer a safe haven.

Listen to the story of a girl being used, lied to, and becoming ripped to pieces as she tries to save herself. And her life.

You may be shocked to learn how one of Clay's friends played a major role in her final days, and the fact that she could have changed one thing to lessen the chances of her death, as well as another classmates death.

Will Clay listen to all of the tapes? Or will he decide not to listen to them, which could turn these cassette's into a public show?

MY THOUGHTS:

Thirteen Reasons Why is a book that will bring you to tears, but will keep you coming back for more.

I loved how the story began with him sending out the package to the next "victim", even though you had no idea what it had to do with in the story, it made you wonder what was next.

As I got farther into the novel, it became more and more crazier, I can't even think of a better word to explain it. My feelings towards the book as it got farther into the plot, became more deeper, and sentimental.

For one thing, I thought Hannah was crazy at the beginning, but the snow ball effect kept getting worse and worse further into the plot, and sometimes I thought she did things on purpose to give her an excuse to kill herself.

And as for Clay Jensen, one of the causes of her suicide, and the main character of the story, my heart went out to him. I felt every single one of his emotions as he listened to a voice he will never hear again, explain everything from a tape player. If I were him, I probably never would've been able to handle listening to all 13 stories. I couldn't even handle seeing an empty desk, and know, someone could have changed the direction Hannah was going in, if they caught the signs. One thing, I feel strongly about, is Hannah, being somewhat of a selfish person? I think she took the quick way out of life, and couldn't handle the stress we all go through sometimes. Maybe some of it was really bad, but she could have talked to someone about it, instead of kept it inside. But, then again, I wasn't the one listening to all the false rumors, or being lied, cheated, and used.

I hated how Clay blamed himself for not saving Hannah. Her mind was made up. I don't think she tried hard enough to get the help she needed, or change the way she was going. But the more her story continued, the more desperate I felt to save her myself. And I think that is what made this whole story unique. Everything she said, and Clay did, made me depressed while reading it, and I would hate to be the 13 people to receive the tapes.

Thirteen Reasons Why was a beautiful, sad story that made me cry, and made my throat burn with sadness. Everything was connected together, in a sick twisted way. Everyone had a reason to be one of the causes, even if it was only a short add on to the snow ball effect. Each person, including Hannah, played a major role in her final decision.

I creepy sense came over me, and I couldn't control my feelings anymore. I never would have thought such a story like this existed, and I hate the fact, but love it at the same time, that I even read this book. I will never forget this story.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Ever feel like you are a waste of space, another person to suck up the air?

Meet Charlotte Usher, because chances are you probably haven't, even if you went to school with her the past years. A positive start makes a positive year right? A new wardrobe, act, and self esteem, Charlotte is ready to be a part of Petula's popular status. To be like her. And well, to basically get her boyfriend as well. Damen. The hottest guy to ever walk the halls of Hawthorne High.

But thanks to a gummy bear, and Damen, Charlotte meets her end. Now she will be invisible for good. Not to the other dead students though. Sadly, after getting her toe ring that explains her death, and meeting a girl named Piccolo Pam, she is now a part of Dead Ed. But all the students in dead ed have their stories on how they made it here. Charlotte just doesn't want hers to end. Sadly, she can't get the living kids that share the school with her to notice her, once again.

That is what Dead Ed is for, though. Explaining to them they are in this world for a purpose, and exploring the things they can and can't do.

And just as she had one enemy, Petula, in the living world, she now has an enemy in the dead world. Prue.

As fast as Charlotte arrived in this different world, it's soon going to come crashing down in attempt to be part of the living again. To be part of it though, you have to overtake someone who is willing to give up their body. And that's when Petula's gothic sister, Scarlet, comes in. The only living person to be able to see Charlotte, Scarlet understands the importance of Charlotte's plans, and that is to keep Damen from failing his classes, so he still can go to the dance. And possibly go with Charlotte as Scarlet.

Putting time into getting her noticed in the real world, is taking away from what is more important now. Her only home, as well as all the other Dead Ed kids. Hawthorne Manner, is about ready to be taken from them for good. The students must find a way to keep it as their place, without haunting it, or having it demolished. And everyone needs to pull their weight in order for it to happen...Including Charlotte.

What will it take for Charlotte to realize death is her destiny? Will Hawthorne Manner, once again, become theirs? And what is really up with Prue, the mean dead girl who can never give Charlotte a chance? Most of all, will someone realize what is going on between Charlotte and Scarlet, and ruin it all for them both?

The One will have to rise above the others, and realize once and for all, this is the destiny. Will it be too late for her to realize it though?

MY THOUGHTS:

Where to begin..... Tonya Hurley twisted a unique plot along with a heartfelt story line, almost too perfectly together. It was a fun, yet a sad read, and I felt as desperate as Charlotte while reading Ghostgirl. I never believed a story could be as well mixed as Ghostgirl, but after reading the book, it proved me wrong.

The idea for this story was amazing! I felt that the plot was fast moving, but not fast enough to make me confused. The whole theme to the story, was unique by its self. Everything tied in perfectly together, and it couldn't have been written any better. I felt sorry for Charlotte, but I also understood why Prue was so harsh on her during the end. She wasn't letting go, even if it was hard. At the climax though, it was all worth it. Everyone was shown who they really were without the maggots crawling on them, or the translucent skin decaying off of their frail bones.

One thing though, bothered me. I guess it was the fact that the story didn't include not one little thing about the parents of the dead kids. Maybe it would've been a little too much being added in with the story and all, but it did keep me thinking and wondering.

One more unique thing, I forgot to mention, was the beginning of each chapter. There were short messages telling you about things Charlotte should have kept in mind, and what we should think about on a daily basis. A few include: "If it's meant to be, then it will be" or "Time will tell all things" and so on. Another thing added in each chapter are quotes that have some role within the story. I found several that I absolutely love: "All that we see or seem, Is but a dream within a dream" by Edgar Allan Poe, along with: "And there was a beautiful view, But nobody could see. 'Cause everybody on the island, Was saying: Look at me! Look at me." by Laurie Anderson. I believe those to be 2 of the most powerful quotes included in this book. Overall, the uniqueness, plot theme, and overall fun mixed with the story, were definitely amazing.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Ok, so maybe it's not that huge, but it's a pretty big one to me! This was started by The Story Siren!

The Borrowed: None

The Recieved/For Review: None

The Bought:

...before I start this list, I just want to make things clear. All the paperback books I bought were only $1.49, and the 2 hardcovers I got were $3.00. Guess where I got them? .....At a garden store. I know! How odd.... How could you not take such an offer? And believe me...There were thousands of books just laying on tables, piled high.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

While looking for book images to add to my TBR list, I came across 2 different covers for the book I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You. I'm always used to seeing cover 1, but once I saw cover 2, it looks really mysterious, and if not, a little more better? I don't know which one I like best... I think the first one looks a little bit more fun than the 2nd one, but the 2nd one looks more mysterious? I don't know how to explain it... Maybe the 1st explains the story more?

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Eeeek! I just remembered it was wednesday!Here is my W.O.W post for this week!

Crashed by Robin Wasserman (Sequel To Skinned)

"Months have passed, and in that time, Lia has joined Jude and his roving gang of mechs, an eclectic collection of bored teenagers looking for trouble, and uniquely capable of finding it. It’s a carefree life at first, but as the download process becomes more common, the opposition to the process becomes more vocal - and more hostile.Lia gets swept up in the idea of being a revolutionary and fighting for a cause, but as the plans escalate, she starts having second thoughts — especially when she figures out Jude’s real agenda. Yes, he’s loyal to his cause — fiercely, desperately, blindly loyal. But only to his cause. Not necessarily to his people. In the end, Lia must make a choice. How many people — mechanical and organic — is she willing to hurt to protect her freedom? How far is she willing to go to protect the people she loves? And, when she betrays Jude—as she eventually realizes she must—how will he take his revenge?"

-Summary From Amazon

To be honest with you, the first book, Skinned, is still sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be opened. I really want to read it before the sequel comes out, because it looks and sounds really good. I can't wait for sequels to come out, even if I haven't read the first one. Anyways, this one looks just as good as the first one! And it sounds good too!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Please welcome E.S Brenwalt to this months Author In The Spotlight! He is the author of Cyan's and Magus' adventure in Path Of A Hero. Here is the interview!

1) When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

It was back in the spring of 2003, back when I wrote the very first version of "Path of a Hero," although back then it was called "Chronicles of Hero." There was this little fan site for Harry Potter that created a sister site developed for role-playing purposes. The site has been long gone now, but when it was first put up, I decided to create a character for the fun of it all, and that character was Cyan, as well as Magus. A little ways into the role-playing thing, and I was inspired by another user to create a back story for my characters, and when I made it, I really liked what I did and decided to do a rewrite only a couple of months later, better and longer. It was after that when I realized that I truly wanted to be a writer, to go to the places that only my imagination could take me. And I knew that Cyan and Magus would be the first.

2) If your interest wouldn't be in writing right now, what would you most likely be doing?

After spending the last six years of dreaming of nothing else but writing, I would be surprised if I ever became anything else. But if I never realized my talent of being a writer, then I guess I would have pursued my childhood dream of being an airplane pilot. I always dreamed of flying, and I still do sometimes.

3) Were there any particular people in your life that inspired you to write about Cyan?

To be truthful, not so much. I lived a secluded life up until a few years ago, so the only person that I would relate Cyan with in the real world would actually be myself, personality wise that is. If I ever put Cyan in a certain situation, he would handle it in a way that I myself would do it.

4) Who is your favorite author, and why?

There are so many great authors out there, well-known and not so well known alike, that it's hard to pick just one. However, I would definitely have to narrow it all down to one British woman named Joanne Kathleen Rowling, because before I ever read a Harry Potter book, I was far from being a big book reader, let alone an aspiring author. In retrospect, I learned to love reading and writing because of Harry Potter, and so JKR has to be on top of my favorites list.

5) Where do you like to write most?

In my room, where there can be no interruptions. I live in a house that is occupied not only by me, but my parents, two of my sisters, and four children, sometimes six or seven if we're babysitting my other siblings' kids. With so many living in one house, privacy fast became an issue that I have established years ago. No one is to bother me while I am in my room, mainly because I keep my door locked.

6) What is the best advice you could give to inspired writers?

Never give up. It is only over when you say it is. Also, to anyone out there who has dreams of becoming a professional author, remember that there is a lot of hard work to become successful. It's not all about writing a bestseller; that is only a part of it. The big challenge is getting people aware of it, and the only way to do that takes three things: Determination, Imagination, and Persistence.

7) Was there ever a time where you didn't want to write at all?

Only before I ever wrote my first story six years ago, mainly because the thought of writing never occurred to me. Otherwise, I can not wait to get back to writing.

8) Do you get writers block often? If so, what do you do to get over writer's block?

I sometimes get writers block, or sometimes I would write something, but never really felt satisfied with it, and I can not press onward unless it is taken cared of. In order to fight that slump, all I have to do is just take a break and think the whole thing over in my head, maybe even sleep on it. That always helps, because once I get back to it I delete what I did not like and replace it with what I do like. I do not think that I get such a bad case of writer's block that all I can conjure up in my mind is a big black blank.I would also like to take a moment to mention that I also suffer from time to time Writer's Distraction, Writer's Delay, and Writer's Fatigue more often than I would want.

9) Who inspired you to write fantasy, or any other story you have written in the past?

I mentioned this before, but way back on that role-playing site, I was inspired by another user, whose name I sadly can not recall (though his username was "Headache"), who started a back story for his character. So that one person from long ago actually helped push me in the direction to make a story for my characters Cyan and Magus (if he ever reads this, then I must say, "Thanks Headache!"). After that, the rest just came to me, where encouragement and praise from my family helped me become a better writer. During my homeschooling even, my mom would allow me to do a creative writing homework assignment so that my typing and writing would improve.

10) Are you working on anything right now?

Yes, I am. At this time, I am writing a short story that is based on some characters from my book, set before the events of "Path of Hero." I hope that putting it up on my website will help people become interested. Then, after that, I am going to get started on the sequel.

11) How long did it take you to get Path Of A Hero published?

A surprisingly short amount of time. First off, being completely new to the whole thing, I had no idea on how the publishing industry worked. I thought all I had to do was send my story to somebody who might be interested and see what happens. Then I found out that publishers will only accept manuscripts via agents, or that most, if not all, asked you to pay thousands of dollars to publish your work. So after months of trying to figure it out, the actual "finding" a publisher did not take long at all. I was surfing the web, trying to find someone who would do fantasy novels, and I came across a place called Publish America. I liked what I read, and seeing as they were offering their services for free (meaning that I did not need to pay them a dime to publish my book), I decided to go with them. After submitting my story, signing a contract they sent me, a few things here and there, and I was officially a published author as of last December, and I hadonly signed on with Publish America a few months prior to that.Best decision I ever made. Despite all of the hardwork that it actually takes for me to get people to so much as spare a passing glance at my book, it still makes me really happy and proud that I did it.

GhostGirl: "Now I lay me down to sleep,I pray the Lord my soul to keep.And if I should die before I awake,I pray the popular attend my wake.Charlotte Usher feels practically invisible at school, and then one day she really is invisible. Even worse: she's dead. And all because she choked on a gummy bear. But being dead doesn't stop Charlotte from wanting to be popular; it just makes her more creative about achieving her goal. If you thought high school was a matter of life or death, wait till you see just how true that is. In this satirical, yet heartfelt novel, Hurley explores the invisibility we all feel at some times and the lengths we'll go to be seen. "

Ghostgirl-Homecoming: "Heaven couldn't be a phone bank, could it?Charlotte Usher discovers that the afterlife isn't quite what she pictured when she's forced to intern at a hotline for troubled teens. Before she can officially cross over, she'll have to be a source of guidance for one such teen. The problem is she doesn't have much advice to offer since dying hasn't exactly boosted her confidence level. But when Hawthorne High's leading, love-to-hate cheerleader Petula and her gothic little sis' Scarlet find themselves suddenly resting-in-peace in comas, Charlotte's opportunity to save them will prove to be the risk of a lifetime-for all of them. "I think these books look so cool and unique, but come on, the summary is too. I've never heard or seen of such things in a book, or the way the book was created. I'm fascinated! Haha, well, I can't wait to review these!What did you get in your mailbox?

Saturday, June 6, 2009

I really want to apologize for the often changing of backgrounds. I feel like I can never find the right one. It's either too dark, or too regular....I want to find one with 2-3 columns, link list at the top, and really unique! I hope this one is not too dark for you guys, please let me know if you like it or not.

If you want to email me a link that has really good blogger templates, let me know! I would love to take a look!

Again, please forgive me. I'm sure it has been driving some of you nuts!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Summary From Amazon:"Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How theybegged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For awhile anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind. "

To by quite honest, the cover is what really caught my attention. And, then, once I read the summary, it sounded quite intruiging. Jumping Off Swings sounds like a true coming of age story, and and haunting one as well. I hope to read this soon!

Authors, Publishers, Bloggers

As you may already know, I love communicating with Authors and Publishers, as well as other Blogger's! I am also involved in promoting them as well.

If you are an author and/or publisher that is interested in getting promoted through blogger's, here is what I can do for you!

I can review any kind of genre of Young Adult:*Fiction*Sci-Fi*Childen stories*Historic Fiction*Advance Reader's Copies (ARC's)*Realistic Fiction

I am not a big fan of Non-Fiction, but you can still email me if you are looking for my opinion!

I am open to other options in promotion as well, such as:*Interviews (Author In The Spotlight: email me for details)*Donated materials to giveaway for contests/promo.*Review copies*Posters, bookmarks, autographed items (promotional).*Live chats*I also do book trailers, but it helps to have read the book so I can get ideas in making and publishing it.*Anything else that may come to your mind, let me know, and I will gladly consider it!

Authors and Publishers, please, do not email me asking to read and review your book in PDF OR ATTACHED format. I DO NOT accept them. I am sorry if this interferes with your plans in getting promoted, and I am sure there are other reviewer's that will glady accept that option!

Thanks for visiting, and I hope to hear from you about posible promotions!

If you are a blogger, I would love to ask you some questions regarding your blog, and your opinions about books, as well as why you started to blog, and so on! Just email me at reviewabook123@yahoo.com!

A-Z Reading Challenge

ABCDEFGoth Girl RisingHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

52 Books In 52 Weeks

Week 1: Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

2010 Reading List (so far)

Impossible by Nancy WerlinSkinned by Robin WassermanAmigoland by Oscar CasaresGoldengirl by Micol OstowBreathing by Cheryl Renee HerbasmanPerfect Chemistry by Simone ElkelesCandle Man #1 by Glenn DakinSleepaway Girls by Jen CalonitaThe One by Ed DecterDreamhunter by Elizabeth KnoxThe Texicans by Nina VidaMeridian by Amber KizerThree Roses For Pearl by Julia JohnsonPraying For Snow by Jennifer ReynoldsHer Strong Tower by Victoria KingSwoon by Nina MalkinRumer & Qix by Kathleen WilsonLockdown by Alexander SmithHush, Hush by Becca FitzpatrickEyes Like Stars by Lisa MantchevThe Seven Rays by Jessica BendingerGringolandia by Lyn Miller-LachmannThe Lovely Bones by Alice SeboldThe Devouring by Simon HoltCaptivate by Carrie JonesGone by Michael GrantConfessions Of A Not It Girl by Melissa KantorProm by Laurie H. AndersonHow To Be Bad by various authorsGeneration Dead by Daniel WatersAre You Alone On Purpose? by Nancy WerlinHaters by Alisa Valdes-RodriquezOnce Dead, Twice Shy by Kim HarrisonInvitation Only by Kate BrianRevealers by Amanda MarroneMegan Meade's Guide To The McGowan Boys by Kate BrianThe Last Universe by William SleatorWhat Happened To Lani Garver by Carol plum-UcciThe Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsMarked by P.C. and Kristin CastWintergirls by Laurie Halse AndersonThe Forest Of Hands And Teeth by Carrie RyanCity Of Bones by Cassandra ClareCatching Fire by Suzanne CollinsGoth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga Living On Impulse by Cara HaycakInvisible Lines by Mary AmatoThe Luxe by Anna GodbersenSurface Tension by Brent RunyonStrange Angels by Lili St. CrowBecause I Am Furniture by Thalia ChaltasDramarama by E. LockhartYou Are So Undead To Me by Stacey JayMadapple by Christina MeldrumBeautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia&Margaret Stohl13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson